30-Minute Air Fryer Crispy Loaded Potato Rounds
Thick-cut russet potato rounds get perfectly crispy in the air fryer with minimal oil, creating golden edges and fluffy interiors. These versatile rounds serve as an ideal base for loaded toppings like cheese, bacon, or chives, making them perfect for appetizers, side dishes, or casual dinners. The air fryer method delivers restaurant-quality results in half the time of traditional roasting, with even browning and a satisfying crunch that holds up well under heavy toppings.
Ingredients
- 2 large Russet potatoes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Wash potatoes with cold water and dry thoroughly with paper towels
- 2
Cut potatoes into 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick slices using a sharp knife
- 3
Place potato slices in a large bowl
- 4
Add olive oil and seasonings, toss well to coat all potatoes
- 5
Place potatoes in air fryer basket in single layer
- 6
Set temperature to 370 degrees F and cook for 10-15 minutes
- 7
Flip potatoes halfway through cooking process
- 8
Remove when fork tender and golden brown
- 9
Add desired toppings
- 10
If using cheese, cook 2-3 minutes more for melting
Tips
Pat potatoes completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent oil from sliding off during cooking.
Cut potato rounds evenly thick so they cook at the same rate and achieve uniform golden browning throughout the batch.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if needed to maintain proper air circulation for crispy results.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked potato rounds up to 3 days in airtight container, reheat in air fryer at 350F for 2-3 minutes.
Cut potatoes up to 4 hours ahead and store in cold water to prevent browning, drain and dry before cooking.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy, topped with cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, chives, or other desired toppings.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip drying potatoes thoroughly to avoid soggy results.
Don't overcrowd air fryer basket to avoid uneven cooking.
Don't skip flipping halfway through to avoid uneven browning.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use other potato varieties for this recipe?
Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well but won't get as crispy as Russets due to lower starch content.
What if my potato rounds aren't getting crispy enough?
Increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes and ensure potatoes are completely dry before seasoning and cooking.
How long do leftover potato rounds keep in the refrigerator?
Store cooked rounds up to 3 days refrigerated, though they're best eaten fresh for optimal crispiness.